The District Table

DC dwellers have experienced a pretty gloomy May so far with rain almost every day. So I thought this would be a great time to lighten things up and share some of my favorites: recipes, books, shows, blogs. Let’s chat!

My favorite District Table recipe so far? It was a close call, but I would have to say it’s the Herb-Roasted Chicken and Potatoes. You simply cannot beat how easy the entire dinner is to throw together. And it makes a lot of food, bonus. I was most surprised by the veggie burgers. Since I’d never made veggie burgers before I was quite skeptical, but they turned out delicious. I’m proud that I tried my hand at mixology. And for the favorite dessert: strawberry cheesecake bars. (It’s almost strawberry season guys!!!!)

I’ve also been trying a few recipes from other blogs:

• A new kind of Slow Cooker Pulled Pork was a mega hit at our dinner party.
• Bailey’s-Dipped Marshmallows blew my mind.
• So did these delicious Whiskey Rice Krispies. (I added sprinkles, and next time might even add more whiskey.)
• I’ve finally found a simple White Bread Recipe that actually works! The bread is almost too light and fluffy to use for sandwiches, but works great for avocado toast. And with eggs. And PB&J. And did I mention it’s an easy bread recipe from scratch??
• We tried the banana chocolate chip version of these Overnight Oats and loved it. Also the fact that breakfast can be ready to grab and go in the morning is a plus.

Along the same lines, here are food five blogs that I follow and love. Check them out for some recipe inspiration! (By the way, I use Bloglovin’ as a tool to easily track my favorite blogs, and I highly recommend it.)

• The most recent blog I’ve stumbled upon is How Sweet It Is. I love the recipes and the writing and the pictures. Recent recipes include Chocolate Milk Iced Mochas, Grilled Chicken, Tomato, & Artichoke Skewers with Goat Cheese Dip, and Blueberry Glazed Doughnut Muffins. I want it all.
• Back to Her Roots was one of the very first food blogs that I ever followed. I am still a loyal fan (and want to be Cassie’s best friend). Her Instagram is also fun and real; she covers everything from family to gardening to (of course) great recipes.
• Adventures in Cooking. All I can say is, photography goals, dude.
• If I ever want to bake anything I look first to The Pastry Affair. The only downside of following her blog is that I crave scones or rolls or pie alllll the time, since the recipes look so good. She also has some of the best food writing I’ve come across.

Other May things:

1. Currently reading: GULP by Mary Roach. So far, this book is hilarious and I like learning about why and how we eat. I just finished reading the eighth Outlander book, Written In My Own Heart’s Blood. No joke, it took me a year to finish (I have never taken that long to finish a book, even if it’s 842 pages.) I found it to be much slower than other books in the series, but I am so SO happy that the series is now a show on Starz. Next up I want to read The Nightingale, I’ve heard great things. Also because historical fiction is my jam.
2. Currently watching: Outlander, surprise surprise. And Game of Thrones, which is branching off beyond the written books. I have come to kinda love not knowing what’s going to happen. For some comedic relief Nico and I like to watch Silicon Valley right after Game of Thrones too. Did you see this week’s episode? Funniest this season. I want to see: The Lobster. Looks quirky, and cute, and funny, and oh yeah I’ve got a secret crush on Rachel Weisz.
3. Currently stalking: This Instagram account, because it’s weirdly mesmerizing. I also like following along with these old photos. And my favorite DC Instagram is definitely IGDC.
4. Currently supporting: my brave and amazing sister-in-law! She is right now traveling around the globe—catch up with her at petitepostcard.com. Next she is on to Norway, the land of my people.
5. Favorite DC find: the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks, which may cost $10 to get in, but I could spend an entire day there. I absolutely love it and have made a mental note to take my family there on their next DC trip.

6. Looking forward to: the beginning of league softball season (tonight!), and a little trip that my husband and I are planning for June. We’re heading back to his birthplace, merry ol’ England, and then on to Ireland! If you’ve got any tips or tricks I would love to hear them!

That’s all for now! I’ll be back with a new recipe tomorrow. Here’s a hint: it’s not your typical leafy green kind of ‘salad.’

So what are you reading/watching? Any recommendations for a good book? What would you like to see on The District Table? I would really love to hear from you. Thanks for being here!